Last month, a high school senior from Richmond, Texas, became the 11th person known worldwide to have died due to a Takata airbag inflator that ruptured after a minor car crash.

Huma Hanif, 17, was driving a 2002 Honda Civic when she crashed on March 31 in Fort Bend County.

14 automakers have recalled about 24 million vehicles have 28 million Takata airbag inflators.

“A piece of the metal fragment was found lodged in her neck,” Sheriff Troy Nehls said during a news conference. “The metal fragment came from the airbag. The airbag inflator ruptured, causing the metal fragment to be forced through the airbag, striking Ms. Hanif.”

The metal piece from the airbag that was involved in the victim’s death. (Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hanif was the “10th U.S. fatality tied to ruptures of Takata airbag inflators and 11th confirmed worldwide.”

“This was a tragic accident that could have been avoided,” Nehls said at the press conference. “Everyone should have walked away from this accident.”

The cause of the crash was not the speed, nor the use of electronic devices, such as a cell phone or radio. It was simply because of the faulty airbag:

About 70–90 million more Takata airbags inflators could face U. S. recalls, a source told Reuters.

In a statement, Takata said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the driver’s family in light of this tragic death. Takata is deeply sorry for all fatalities and injuries that have occurred in any case where a Takata airbag inflator has failed to deploy as intended. Takata continues to support all actions that advance vehicle safety and is in constant and close coordination with NHTSA to enhance consumer awareness.”

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.More informationI accept×